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Two operas with classical themes. SALAMMBO by Camille du Locle is
based on Gustave Flaubert's well-known novel of the same name. The
story is set in Carthage after the First Punic War, when
mercenaries hired by the state revolt for lack of payment. The
leader of the insurrectionists, Matho, falls in love with Salammbo,
daughter of General Hamilcar--and this obsession leads ultimately
to his destruction. DIDO, by Jean-Francois Marmontel, is one of the
best modern dramatizations of the great love story recounted by
Virgil in his epic poem, The Aeneid. The Trojan prince Aeneas, who
has sought refuge in Carthage after the destruction of Troy, falls
in love with Queen Dido. She in turn spurns the affections of
Yarbas, a Morrocan king, prompting an attack on the city. After
defending Dido's honor, Aeneas is compelled by the gods to continue
his journey to Italy, where he'll eventually become the founder of
the Roman city and state. Two great tragedies of love won--and love
lost
Three French libretti on classical themes. In CASTOR AND POLLUX, by
Pierre Bernard, one of the twins from ancient myth attempts to
rescue his brother from the underworld. PENELOPE, by Jean-Francois
Marmontel, tells the story of Ulysses' return to Ithaca after his
long journey home from Troy, and how he takes revenge on the
boorish suitors of his wife, Penelope, who have browbeaten her for
years. Emile Augier presents the story of SAPPHO, another tragedy
set in classical times, full of betrayal and self-sacrifice.
Ancient Greek drama had much in common with modern opera,
emphasizing story lines that have been simplified to focus very
tightly on particular emotional themes. The freshness and charm of
these French dramatizations make them worthy of being brought to
the attention of a contemporary audience.
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